Patrício Pitbull demands a spot at UFC Rio after Paris fight cancellation: 'I'll take on anyone'

Patrick Pitbull on his first UFC media day. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC News

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After seeing your fight in the UFC Paris be canceled at the last minute due to your opponent's error on the scale, Patrick Pitbull wants to return to the Octagon as soon as possible, and preferably at home. The former Bellator champion took to social media this weekend and asked to be included on the UFC Rio card, scheduled for October 11th.

"I did my part, but my opponent didn't. I was called in at the last minute, traveled, dealt with jet lag, and made weight. My opponent was at home, had three hours to try, and chose not to. I would love to fight at UFC Rio. I'll fight anyone who makes weight," Pitbull wrote in a social media post.

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Pitbull was scheduled to face newcomer Losene Keita, but the bout was canceled on the eve of the event. The Guinean fell short of the featherweight limit (66,2 kg in non-title fights) and didn't even attempt the additional cut. He opted to end his weight loss process.

The fight between the two was scheduled to open the main card of the UFC Paris, held this Saturday (6), at Accor Arena. The cancellation frustrated fans and the Brazilian himself, who had accepted the fight with little preparation time.

Keita weighed 149 pounds (67,5 kg), three pounds over the limit. He still had the chance to lose the excess weight by the commission's deadline, but showed no interest. Patrício, in turn, refused to face his opponent under these conditions, citing a competitive disadvantage and a lack of professionalism on his opponent's part.

UFC Rio card almost finalized

UFC Rio, scheduled for October 11th, will be held at Jeunesse Arena, and already has 13 confirmed fights. The event's highlight is the duel between Charles of the Bronx e Raphael Fiziev, valid for the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg).

Pitbull's inclusion has not yet been confirmed, but his experience and popularity among Brazilian fans could be a factor in his favor. At 36, the fighter is looking to establish himself within the UFC after a successful career in Bellator, where he won belts in two different weight classes.